Effortless Instant Pot Pork Chops with Creamy Mushroom Gravy

Prepare to elevate your weeknight dinner game with these incredibly tender and juicy Instant Pot Pork Chops. Cooked to perfection in your pressure cooker and smothered in a rich, savory onion and mushroom gravy, this recipe guarantees a delicious and stress-free meal. Say goodbye to dry, tough pork chops and hello to succulent, fall-apart goodness, all thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot!

This recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor, making it a fantastic choice for busy evenings when you crave comfort food without the fuss. The luscious gravy isn’t just a topping; it infuses the pork with deep flavors as it cooks, creating a truly unforgettable dish. Serve these magnificent pork chops over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, and don’t forget a side of vibrant roasted vegetables to complete your perfect meal.

The secret to the unparalleled tenderness of these pork chops lies in the pressure cooking method. It locks in moisture and infuses the meat with the aromatic flavors of garlic, onion, and earthy mushrooms, all swimming in a savory broth. The resulting gravy is so flavorful, you’ll want to pour it generously over every component of your plate. This Instant Pot Smothered Pork Chops recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a revelation in taste and convenience, perfect for satisfying your cravings for hearty, home-cooked goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Pork Chop Recipe

• Unbelievably Tender: The pressure cooker works wonders, transforming lean pork chops into incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection in a fraction of the time.
• Rich, Flavorful Gravy: The onion and mushroom gravy is a highlight, made from the pan drippings and infused with herbs, adding a decadent touch to every bite.
• Quick & Easy: From searing to simmering, your Instant Pot handles most of the work, making this an ideal weeknight meal solution. Minimal hands-on time means more time for you!
• Versatile Serving Options: These smothered pork chops pair beautifully with a variety of sides, from classic mashed potatoes to rice or low-carb alternatives.
• Simple Ingredients: You’ll likely have many of the core ingredients already in your pantry, making grocery shopping a breeze.

Key Ingredients for Instant Pot Pork Chops

This recipe relies on a few simple yet powerful ingredients to build its incredible flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Boneless Pork Chops: We recommend using thicker-cut boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick) for the best results, as they remain juicy during pressure cooking. While boneless is specified, we’ll discuss bone-in options later!
• Salt and Pepper: The foundational seasonings to enhance the natural flavor of the pork. Don’t be shy with a good coating!
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of classic herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that adds an aromatic, savory depth to the pork.
• Olive Oil and Butter: Used for searing the pork chops and sautéing the aromatics. The combination adds richness and helps create a beautiful crust.
• Garlic and Onion: These aromatic powerhouses form the base of our savory gravy, providing a robust and essential flavor. Yellow or white onions work best.
• Mushrooms: Baby Bella (cremini) mushrooms are fantastic here, adding an earthy umami flavor to the gravy. You can also use white button mushrooms or even skip them if preferred.
• Chicken Stock: The liquid base for our pressure cooking and gravy. Low-sodium chicken stock allows you to control the salt content. Vegetable broth can also be used.
• Soy Sauce: A secret ingredient for a boost of umami and depth of flavor in the gravy, without making it taste overtly Asian.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: A touch of acidity brightens the sauce and balances the richness, adding a subtle tang.
• Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme pairs wonderfully with pork and mushrooms, adding a classic herbaceous note.
• Water: Used in combination with cornstarch to create a smooth, thick gravy.
• Cornstarch: The thickening agent for our luxurious gravy, ensuring it coats the pork chops beautifully.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Instant Pot Pork Chops

Follow these easy instructions to create perfect Instant Pot pork chops with mushroom gravy:

1. Prepare the Pork Chops: Begin by patting your boneless pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Ensure an even coating for maximum flavor.
2. Sear the Pork Chops: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode and wait until the display reads “HOT.” Add the olive oil and butter to the pot and let the butter melt completely. Once hot, carefully add the seasoned pork chops to the pot in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until beautifully browned. Searing creates a flavorful crust and locks in juices. Remove the seared pork chops and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Aromatics: If needed, add a touch more olive oil to the Instant Pot. Add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion begins to soften and become translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and continue to sauté until they are soft and have released their moisture.
4. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in ½ cup of chicken stock. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to carefully scrape the bottom of the pot, lifting any browned bits that may be stuck. This process, called deglazing, incorporates all those delicious caramelized flavors into your sauce and is essential for preventing a “BURN” message on your Instant Pot.
5. Combine and Pressure Cook: Add the remaining chicken stock, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, the remaining salt and pepper, and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine the ingredients. Carefully place the seared pork chops back into the liquid in the Instant Pot. Secure the lid, making sure the sealing ring is properly in place, and set the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position. Press the “Manual” (or “Pressure Cook”) button and set the timer for 8 minutes on high pressure. Your Instant Pot will take approximately 10 minutes to build pressure before the cooking cycle begins.
6. Natural Pressure Release: Once the 8-minute cooking cycle is complete, press the “Cancel/Off” button. Crucially, allow the pressure to release naturally. Do NOT switch the valve to “Venting.” A natural pressure release is vital for meat dishes, as it prevents the chops from becoming tough and dry by allowing the internal temperature to gradually decrease. Wait until the floating pin drops completely, indicating that all pressure has been released, before carefully opening the lid away from your face.
7. Thicken the Gravy and Serve: Carefully remove the tender pork chops from the pot and transfer them back to a clean plate. Set your Instant Pot back to the “Sauté” setting. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and ½ cup of water until no lumps remain, creating a slurry. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the liquid in the Instant Pot, stirring constantly. Allow the gravy to simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Once thickened, return the pork chops to the luscious gravy, gently coating them. Press the “Cancel/Off” button. Allow the dish to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Essential Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Pork Chops

• Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the pork chops before pressure cooking adds a fantastic depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction. It also creates a beautiful browned exterior.
• Avoid Overcrowding: When searing, ensure you’re not overcrowding the Instant Pot. Cook in batches if necessary, allowing each chop enough space to brown properly. Overcrowding will steam the meat instead of searing it.
• Deglaze Thoroughly: This step is critical! Any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot can trigger the “BURN” message. Use a wooden spoon and scrape diligently after adding some liquid.
• Natural Pressure Release for Tender Meat: While quick release is faster, natural pressure release (NPR) is highly recommended for meat, especially pork chops. It allows the meat to rest and reabsorb its juices, resulting in significantly more tender and moist results.
• Adjust Gravy Thickness: If your gravy isn’t as thick as you like, you can make a bit more cornstarch slurry and add it in small increments while simmering on sauté mode. If it’s too thick, thin it with a splash of chicken stock or water.
• Check Internal Temperature: For perfect doneness, pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). While the Instant Pot is reliable, using a meat thermometer ensures optimal safety and tenderness.

Cooking Time and Pressure Release Explained

For boneless pork chops that have been seared prior to pressure cooking, an 8-minute cook time is ideal. This short duration under pressure, combined with a natural pressure release, prevents the chops from drying out while ensuring they become wonderfully tender.

Why Natural Pressure Release (NPR) is Key for Meat: When cooking meat, especially lean cuts like pork chops, a natural pressure release is paramount for achieving the best texture. A quick release (QR) forces the pressure out rapidly, causing the meat’s fibers to contract suddenly, which can lead to tough and dry results. NPR allows the Instant Pot to depressurize gradually, letting the meat rest in its own juices and relax, yielding fork-tender and moist pork every time.

Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops in This Recipe?

Yes, absolutely! You can certainly use center-cut bone-in pork chops in this recipe. Bone-in cuts often add even more flavor to the dish. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time to accommodate the bone. For bone-in pork chops, increase the manual pressure cook time to **17 minutes**. Remember to still use a natural pressure release for optimal tenderness.

Delicious Side Dishes to Pair with Your Pork Chops

These flavorful smothered pork chops are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. We particularly love them with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up all that delicious gravy, and crisp roasted broccoli for a balanced meal. But don’t stop there!

• Classic Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate pairing for soaking up every drop of that rich gravy.
• Fluffy Rice: White rice, brown rice, or even quinoa makes a great neutral base for the flavorful pork and gravy. Try our Instant Pot Fluffy Rice recipe!
• Wide Egg Noodles: For a hearty, comforting, old-fashioned meal, serve the pork chops and gravy over buttered egg noodles.
• Roasted Vegetables: Beyond broccoli, consider roasted asparagus, green beans, or carrots for added color and nutrients.
• Mashed Cauliflower: For a low-carb alternative that still offers a creamy texture, mashed cauliflower is an excellent choice.
• Crusty Bread: Don’t underestimate the power of a good piece of crusty bread to sop up any leftover gravy!

Variations & Customization Ideas

This Instant Pot Pork Chops recipe is easily adaptable to suit your taste preferences:

• Creamy Gravy: For an extra rich and decadent gravy, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the very end, after the gravy has thickened.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the onions and garlic for a subtle kick, or a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.
• Herb Alternatives: Feel free to experiment with other herbs. Rosemary or sage would also pair beautifully with pork and mushrooms.
• Mushroom-Free: If mushrooms aren’t your thing, you can easily omit them from the recipe without sacrificing too much flavor, as the onion and garlic still provide a strong base.
• Vegetable Boost: Add diced carrots or celery along with the onions for extra veggies and flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Instant Pot Pork Chops with gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through, adding a splash of chicken stock or water if the gravy has thickened too much.

More Delicious Pork Recipes

If you loved these Instant Pot Pork Chops, be sure to explore our other fantastic pork recipes:

• Garlic Butter Mushroom Pork Chops
• Braised Pork Chops with Potatoes
• Instant Pot Kalua Pork
• BBQ Instant Pot Ribs
• Best Instant Pot Pulled Pork

For even more recipes designed for your digital pressure cooker, feel free to browse our Instant Pot Category. If you’re new to pressure cooking, check out our comprehensive Instant Pot Guide for Beginners, filled with all the essential information you need to get started with your new appliance! And if you ever encounter the dreaded “BURN” message on your Instant Pot, don’t panic! Read my dedicated post on the Instant Pot Burn Message to understand why it happens and how to easily resolve it to save your dish.

If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and leave a comment! Happy cooking!

Instant Pot Pork Chops

Author: Anna

These Instant Pot Pork Chops are cooked in the Instant Pot with onion mushrooms gravy. Perfect easy recipe with boneless chops, served with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies.

Rating: 4.82 from 16 votes

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Preparation & Cooking Times

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 8 mins
• Coming to Pressure: 10 mins
• Total Time: Approximately 23 mins (Prep + Cook + Pressure Build)

Recipe Details

• Course: Dinner
• Cuisine: American
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 323 kcal

Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 teaspoons minced garlic
• 3 baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• ½ cup water (for slurry)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

1. Start by seasoning pork chops with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, on both sides.
2. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Wait until the display shows HOT. Add olive oil and butter and let melt. Add pork chops and sear on each side for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove pork chops onto a plate and set aside.
3. Add more oil to Instant Pot if needed. Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring often. Add mushrooms and sauté until soft.
4. Add ½ cup of chicken stock and deglaze the bottom of the pot (scrape any cooked-on bits). This ensures the flavor is in the dish and you won’t get a burn message.
5. Add remaining stock, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Place pork chops in the liquid. Close the lid, set the valve to the sealing position. Press the manual button and set the timer to 8 minutes. The Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure.
6. When the timer is up, press the “cancel/off” button and let the pressure release naturally, meaning do not switch the valve. When the pin drops, carefully open the lid away from your face.
7. Remove pork chops onto a plate. Press the sauté setting on your Instant Pot. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Add to the liquid in the pot. Simmer until thickened. Place pork chops back into the gravy. Press the “cancel/off” button. Let the dish cool for 5 to 10 minutes, then serve.

Notes

1. Please note that nutrition values can vary depending on the specific products you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use a calorie counter you are familiar with for precise calculations.
2. You can skip the mushrooms in this recipe if preferred.
3. For a creamier gravy, you can add ¼ cup of heavy cream after thickening the sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 323kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Potassium: 688mg | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 90IU | Vitamin C: 3.1mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1.1mg

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